From the Deputy Principal

06.03.18

Our Open Day was a wonderful time of showcasing our school community and meeting prospective families. This year, we met a lot of potential Year 7 students who delighted in trying on the College blazer and imagining themselves as MacKillop girls. Our students relished in the chance to run tours. They spoke affectionately about the school, their teachers and their friends. We look forward to meeting with new parents in the coming months as we go through the enrolment process.

Sr Margaret Hehir is a great friend of the College and this week she celebrated her 80th Birthday. Our Student Leadership Team dropped by to see Sr Margaret and wish her a happy birthday. On March 17, Sr Margaret will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. We wish Sr Margaret a joyous time of celebration.

March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD) across the world. This year, our College Social Justice Captains received an invitation to attend the National Women’s Association, SA Branch. Further to this, we had two tables at the IWD Breakfast. At both events, our students were inspired by the stories of women around the world seeking equality and justice for all girls.

On Thursday evening, we heard from cyber safety expert, Susan McLean. It was good to see parents join us for this event as it is important that we learn ways to keep our girls safe online. Susan challenged us to be informed, empowered and action oriented when it comes to cyber safety. It was a powerful presentation.

This coming Saturday evening, our senior students will enjoy the Mary MacKillop College Formal. Much excitement comes with this event. The girls engage in preparations for the Formal with great attention to detail, putting emphasis on coordinating the right shoes with the perfect dress. My experience tells me that the most fun is not so much in the preparation but in the dancing and laughter of the event itself. As our girls grow into young women and become engaged in more adult experiences, it is important that we continue to place boundaries around their activities. I spoke to the girls about good formal etiquette. This included excellence in behaviour, dressing with style and grace, offering gratitude for the opportunity and introducing their dates to the College Principal. Further to this, I remind parents of their responsibilities on such occasions. Please be sure to have read the letter initially sent by Mrs McGuigan. Have you made the necessary arrangements to collect your daughter at the conclusion of the event? Alternatively, do you know who she is travelling home with? Further to this, I bring your attention to some recent changes to laws around young people and alcohol. These changes specifically target the responsibility of the supervising adult. I ask you to familiarise yourself with the two documents from Government of South Australia – Attorney General Department.

As you may be aware, the Prime Minister and Minister for Education recently wrote to each principal in Australia to encourage our involvement in the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. This day is set for March 16, which is our Athletics Day – a day of fun and activity. As a school, we have registered to participate in this year's National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Our school community will continue to work on building harmony, tolerance and resilience.

As I read over my article this week, I am struck by the themes that remind us of our work as teachers and parents; we grow young people. Together, we find ways to support, nurture, challenge and discipline our girls to help them become their best selves as young adults. As parents and teachers, we constantly find ways to build our knowledge and skills in order to do our job ‘very well’. I thank all parents for working in partnership with us as we undertake this work. May the coming days find you delighting in the company of your daughter knowing that you are supported by Mary MacKillop College.